If you are interested in become a dental assistant or hygienist, you need to make sure that you fully understand the job before you get involved in schooling and job applications. There are many great benefits which come with this profession, but there are some dangerous risks involved as well.
One of the biggest risk is the potential exposure to communicable diseases. You are around people every day, some sick and some healthy-you have no control over this.
You are also completely exposed to their open mouth, and all of the germs that it comes with. This is a pretty big concern for many, especially if you have a weak immune system, or if you are pregnant.
Dental Assistants need to make sure they fully understand the risk of communicable diseases. A communicable disease is one that is transmitted from person to person through saliva, blood, and other bodily fluids.
People in this profession are at a very high risk because their hands come into contact with patient's mouths and saliva all day long. Sometimes you can even be exposed to their blood, which is very dangerous.
While patients are asked to disclose information about communicable diseases including HIV, many would prefer not to, for privacy and judgment reasons. Some communicable diseases such as herpes form sores in the mouth are present-people in this profession need to be able to identify them, so that they can remain safe.
A dentist or assistant should assume every patient is contagious, and take all precautions against infection. If you do not, you could end up very sick, with even a fatal disease.
You should always wear gloves while working with patients of any kind, whether they seem healthy or not. You never know when a normal procedure could turn into a crisis, involving blood.
If you are an assistant, you may need to jump in and assist at a moment's notice. There is no space to stop to put on gloves, and it is not acceptable in the dental field to perform any type of procedure without them.
If you feel that you have poked a hole in a glove, immediately throw it away and replace it with a brand new one. Do not take any chances.
Communicable diseases can make you extremely ill, and put you in danger. Since open sores are the most common way for illness to enter your body, make sure any sores are completely covered with a bandage, or other covering that will not come off with your gloves.
Keep the sores covered until they have healed completely. Be sure to follow all safety procedures as outlined by your employer.
If you are unclear, ask. Never take shortcuts, especially in the areas of sterilizing tools and the proper use of tools.
This can lead to serious repercussions if other patients become infected with communicable diseases from dirty tools. You could end up in the middle of a very expensive law suit.
If you find that you have come into direct contact with saliva, blood, or other bodily fluids that could potentially lead to a problem, wash the area immediately with soap and water. Many sicknesses including the flu and the common cold cannot survive soap and water.
You will also need to account the incident to your direct supervisor. They will know how to best handle the situation on a professional level.
All dental facilities have policies and procedures in place for dealing with contact of saliva, or other bodily fluids. It is important that you completely understand these policies and procedures from day one of your employment.
Working in this field is a fun and rewarding career choice. You have the opportunity to meet and work with a variety of people.
You can make friends that will last a lifetime. These jobs also tend to pay rather well, and come with good benefits.
If you are interested in this field of work, just makes sure that you understand what you are getting into, and that you take all of the health codes very seriously. You may find that you were born for this kind of work.
Talk to a counselor today about where to begin. Don't forget to invest in a lot of gloves!
Author Resource:-
Terry Daniels has been involved with dental research for 15 years and has been published in several scientific journals for his findings on orthodontic practices. He now resides in Florida and recommends this Orlando Dentist.
Contact info:
Terry Daniels
TerryDaniels09@gmail.com
http://www.AMGSmile.com
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